Archdiocese of Miami Scouts: Growing in faith and service

By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

 

Photography: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO| FC

NORTH MIAMI | Ella McLaughlin’s Girl Scout vest holds over 40 patches, badges, medals and pins. She barely has room for more, but that is not stopping the 14-year-old from continuing her Scout’s journey.

“The best part about being a Scout is learning leadership skills and being part of the community and serving,” said Ella, a Girl Scout for nine years.

On June 10, Ella was among a large group of Cub Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Eagle Scouts from more than 15 parishes who, along with family and friends, gathered at St. James Parish to celebrate the annual Catholic Scouting Mass. Over 40 Scouts of various ages, committee members and adults received religious awards for participating in service, reflection and exploration programs related to the Catholic faith.

"Many of these young boys and girls are aspiring for noble things,” said Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldacchino, who celebrated the Scouts Mass. “They are looking beyond and they want to get more.”

Bishop Baldacchino reflected on his own childhood as a Scout, adding how he attended camp Masses but never even thought about the priesthood and religious life.

“I was only observing at the time because I said that I would never become a priest. See what’s happened since then?” he joked.

But the bishop also acknowledged the vocation of marriage. He said it is vital for parents to be actively involved in the lives of their children, encouraging their faith.

“Without the parents allowing their kids to enroll in these programs and making them grow into their spiritual faith, we would not be able to do anything,” said Deacon Emilio Blanco, archdiocesan chaplain for Scouts. “It is not about just getting a medal. It is about a journey of faith and that’s what we try to emphasize.”

“I love watching their faith grow,” said Jenniffer Horruitiner, a religious emblem counselor for Boys and Girl Scouts. “They’re so receptive and it is very rewarding for me.”

Horruitiner and her family hold both their faith and Scouting in high regard. Both of her children are Scouts, and her husband, Fernando, is a Boy Scout Master. Often, Fernando takes public transportation dressed in a Scout uniform and people ask him if Scouts are still around.

He assures them they are, and they proceed to ask if perhaps he’s a little too old to be one. “It’s quite a conversation starter,” he said.

Like his wife Jenniffer, he also enjoys watching the Scouts grow and come into their own.

“When they’re Cub Scouts, parents are more in control, but when they cross over to Boy Scouts and you see the boys managing themselves, that is incredible,” said Fernando. “The growth grows in multiples.”

Yhosvany Rodriguez, a Den Leader from St. Louis Parish in Pinecrest, also marvels at the transitions the Scouts go through. He has watched as his son Javier and his friends learn to take initiative and responsibility.

“They started as first graders and they’re going to be sixth graders and you watch that transition,” said Rodriguez. “It’s gotten them to a point where now they’re self-sufficient and they can do it on their own.”

“I thought it was cool,” said Javier, 11, as he reflected on his time with the Scouts so far. “The camping trips are my favorite.”